7 Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Highlights

• Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp- (Elevation Gain: 1,200 m /3,937 ft, Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time: 5-6 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Rainforest). Your ascent begins. The trail leads through lush montane rainforest with a humid climate that supports vibrant vegetation. After 5-6 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Machame Camp on the edge of the forest area transitioning into the heath zone.
• Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp – (Elevation Gain: 850 m /2,788 ft, Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Difficulty: Easy, Zone: Moorland). Begin with a steady climb that rewards you with stunning views. Be mindful of the increasing altitude and maintain a steady pace with guidance from our experienced team. The first part of the trail leads to the Picnic Rock, offering breathtaking views of Kibo and Shira Peaks. From there, continue to Shira Camp via a scenic route. After lunch at the camp, embark on an acclimatization walk towards Lava Tower, gaining an altitude of 4,120 m over 2 km. Note: Acclimatization hikes are vital for increasing your chances of reaching the summit and reducing altitude sickness risk.
• Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp - (Elevation Gain: 780 m /2,559 ft, Elevation Loss: 700 m /2,296 ft, Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Moorland). This day includes ascents and descents with spectacular scenery. After hiking to Lava Tower, a significant altitude gain, spend 1-2 hours there to acclimatize. Following lunch, descend to Barranco Camp, located at the base of the striking Barranco Wall and surrounded by unique flora, including giant flowering plants up to 5 meters tall.
• Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp – (Elevation Gain: 120 m /394 ft, Distance: 5.5 km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Moorland). Start the day by descending into the Great Barranco ravine before ascending the challenging but non-technical Barranco Wall. Enjoy the stunning views of the Heim and Kersten glaciers as you approach Karanga Valley. After a steep climb out of the valley, arrive at Karanga Camp, where you can join a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek to 4,200 m.
• Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp – (Elevation Gain: 620 m /2,034 ft, Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 3 hours, Difficulty: Medium , Zone: Alpine Desert). Cross desolate scree slopes to reach Barafu Camp, where vegetation disappears entirely. Rest and hydrate in preparation for the summit climb. After an early dinner, retire early for a brief rest before the midnight summit attempt.
• Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp - (Elevation Gain: 1,225 m/4,019 ft, Elevation Loss: 2,795 m /9,169 ft, Distance: 17 km, Hiking Time: 8-14 hours, Difficulty: High, Zone: Arctic). Begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak around midnight. This challenging climb rewards you with an awe-inspiring sunrise at the summit, the highest point in Africa. After a brief celebration and optional glacier visit, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp. Note: If fatigue sets in, you may opt to rest overnight at Millennium Camp instead.
• Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – (Elevation Loss: 1,450 m /4,757 ft, Distance: 12 km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Difficulty: Easy, Zone: Rainforest). Descend through a tropical rainforest to Mweka Gate. Celebrate your achievement with the team before returning to the hotel for rest and relaxation.